Football in Bangladesh: League, National Teams and History
Football has deep roots in Bangladesh. The country has a national federation founded in 1972, a professional top league, one of South Asia's most famous club rivalries and a women's team that has become the champion of its region. Here is a practical overview for fans.
Who runs football in Bangladesh?
The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is the national governing body. It was founded in 1972 and has been a member of FIFA since 1976. It is also part of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF). The BFF organises the national teams and domestic competitions.
The Bangladesh Premier League
The top division is the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). It should not be confused with the cricket competition that uses the same initials.
- 2007: the league began as the B. League, with clubs from outside Dhaka included to spread the game.
- 2009: it was renamed the Bangladesh League.
- 2012: it was rebranded as the Bangladesh Premier League.
The 2025-26 season had ten clubs. Teams that move up come from the Bangladesh Championship League, the second tier. To understand how this works, see promotion and relegation explained.
The famous clubs
Abahani and Mohammedan
Abahani Limited Dhaka and Mohammedan SC are the country's historic giants, and their matches form the Dhaka derby. For decades this was the biggest event in Bangladeshi club football. Read about similar fixtures in our guide to football's biggest derbies.
Bashundhara Kings
Bashundhara Kings have become one of the leading modern clubs, competing strongly in domestic football and representing the country in Asian competitions.
The men's national team
Bangladesh's men reached the AFC Asian Cup in 1980. Their greatest regional success came in January 2003, when they won the SAFF Gold Cup on home soil in Dhaka, beating the Maldives on penalties in the final. It remains a treasured moment for Bangladeshi supporters. See our SAFF Championship guide.
The women's national team
The biggest recent story is the women's team. Bangladesh won their first SAFF Women's Championship in 2022, beating hosts Nepal 3-1 in Kathmandu. They retained the title in October 2024, again beating Nepal in Kathmandu, this time 2-1. Until those victories, India had won every edition of the tournament.
Why Bangladeshi fans follow foreign football
Bangladesh is famous for its passion for Argentina and Brazil, especially during World Cups, when flags fill streets across the country. European club football is also followed closely, even though matches often kick off late at night. See kick-off times in Bangladesh to plan your viewing.
How to follow Bangladeshi football
- Check domestic and regional matches on the Tournament tab when they are available from our data provider.
- Star your favourite leagues for quick access.
- For official announcements, use the BFF's own channels.
Frequently asked questions
When did Bangladesh join FIFA?
Bangladesh became a FIFA member in 1976, four years after the BFF was founded.
Has Bangladesh ever played in the World Cup?
No. Neither Bangladesh's men's team nor women's team has yet appeared at a FIFA World Cup finals.
Has Bangladesh won the SAFF Championship?
Yes. The men won in 2003, and the women won in 2022 and 2024.
What is Bangladesh's biggest club rivalry?
Abahani against Mohammedan, known as the Dhaka derby, is the traditional answer.